These days running a business isn’t just about making a profit. Company bosses are thinking about the environmental impact their enterprises have on the world. Even home-based businesses contribute to the world’s CO2 (carbon dioxide) woes.
The good news is that there’s a trend where more of today’s firms are taking extra steps to run “greener” operations.
Here are ten examples of how those companies make it happen:
- Not sending documents out on paper
Thanks to today’s modern world, we can send documents to people without hitting that “print” button! Many firms are opting to send paperwork like invoices out via email.
- Using recycled paper when hard copies are needed
There’s still a long way to go before most companies can achieve the ultimate goal – the paperless office! For those times where things need to get printed out, recycled paper is just as good quality as the copier paper they used to buy.
- Using biodegradable cleaning products
When it comes to running a greener company, it’s not just about saving trees. All firms need clean offices, and the products that get used are often chemicals that are toxic to the environment. Instead, some companies are making the switch to biodegradable cleaning products.
- Solar power
Large consumers of electricity are constantly looking at alternatives to grid power. It’s not uncommon to find some of the more major companies out there with photovoltaic cells on their factory roofs. That’s because it’s cleaner (and often cheaper) to use solar power.
- LED lighting
Big offices and work areas often mean one thing: massive lighting costs! Thanks to government policy, business have no choice but to use energy-efficient lighting. Although more expensive than CFL bulbs, LED lights use the least amount of power. But they still produce the same amount of light!
- Upgrading old appliances and equipment
We all know that the machinery we use at work only has a limited lifespan. But what some of us might not realize is that those machines, while still in service, aren’t energy-efficient. That’s why it makes sense to upgrade to “greener” models that use less power.
- Sending greetings cards via email
At the run-up to the holiday season, many businesses typically send out greetings cards in the mail. These days, it’s a practice seldom carried out. Instead, greener companies use services like eCO2 Greetings to send them out over the Internet!
- Moving to premises that offer no parking
In a bid to encourage a greener workforce, a few firms have taken the unusual step of moving to premises where there is no on-site parking. Instead, they offer staff incentives like free bicycles and public transport tickets to leave their cars at home.
- Recycling everything
Companies usually have to pay for their waste to get collected from their buildings. To cut back on those costs and promote a greener business, they will recycle as much of their waste as possible.
- Paying for “greener” web hosting
You might not know it, but there are some hosting providers that will plant trees or use renewable energy. All that, of course, gets paid for by their customers. Still, it means that you can boast of having a carbon-neutral website!
